Rakugo

Rakugo
is comic storytelling, mainly in the form of dialogues. It was developed in the Edo
period (1603-1867), and was performed in entertainment halls called yose.
It is customary to include a punch line called ochi at the end of the
story. Since a performer plays several characters
in a story, the use of facial expressions and pantomimes is essential to capture
the audience's imagination.

The storytellers (rakugoka) are ranked according to their
skill and experience. A beginner is referred to as a zenza and performs
at the beginning of the program. A rakugo master, shin-uchi, is the last to perform.
Shin-uchi literally means, "one of true
value" or "one who strikes the heart". The name came because of
his true worth as a storyteller to move the hearts of the audience.

The Rakugoka wear kimonos and sit on a cushion (zabuton)
in the middle of the stage. There are no scenery or props
except a hand towel (tenugui) and a fan (sensu). The towel is used
to represent books, bills or a wallet. The fan can be chopsticks, pipe, swords,
cigarettes, or pen.